The Best Rice and Beans

In this part of the world, Rice is a staple and eaten at most meals. Growing up in Guyana, white rice was a faithful part of practically every meal; with the exception of days that cookup rice was on the menu. Rice is both comforting and filling. Eating these familiar grains, whether they be brown,…

Beignets de Figues or Banana Fritters

These banana fritters are made in Haïti during the carnival season. They are not to be confused with the beignets of New Orleans, which are the raised fried pastry doused in tons of powdered sugar. This Haitian fried sweet snack is made when there are lots of delicious organic bananas available, as they are the…

Carnival in Haïti

In Haïti, once the Christmas and New Year festivities are over, it immediately signals that the pre-Carnival season is imminent. You have to understand that for Haitians, Carnival is probably the biggest celebration of the year. For many here, Carnival is greatly anticipated and it is truly a time where people of all walks of…

Cheese Nibbles

Who can resist a little nibble of cheesy goodness? These comforting snacks are the absolute perfect bite for just about anytime of the day or night. The ingredients are simple and not too many; yet the result is rich and delicious. It is an oldie but goodie and one which I grew up eating as…

Guyanese Girl Haitian Soul’s First Dinner Experience

I started writing my thoughts down and sharing them with you all last April. I can honestly say that I did not really know whether anyone would enjoy reading my stories, but I knew that I was writing from my heart. I have been astounded by the feedback from my readers. Over the course of…

The Story Behind Guyanese Girl Haitian Soul [Part 2]: The Joy of Cooking

From as far back as I can remember, I have always been intrigued by flavors and food. I am utterly fascinated by the alchemy which occurs in the kitchen, when different spices are blended together producing an amalgamation of wonderful tastes. Sheer magic occurs in the cooking process which imparts the most delicious flavors into…

Guyanese Mithai or Kurma

I have a weakness for this delicious sweet treat. In Guyana, it is very common to find Mithai everywhere. Our Indian heritage has brought this gem to us collectively and we just consider it a “Guyanese” thing. Who can resist the thin, crunchy, sweet pieces of fried dough? The grated coconut and mild spices all…

Old Fashioned Vanilla Fudge

Isn’t it amazing how we can conjure up something delicious with just a few ingredients? I am always awed by different combinations of raw ingredients and how they can can be transformed through cooking, into things vastly different from their original form. It’s alchemy and the reason why I love cooking so much. Fudge is…

Happy New Year and Haitian Independence

It’s a New Year…out with the old, in with the new. At midnight, all around the world people celebrate the passing of the old year and happily welcome the beginning of a new year. The calendar year is based on the Earth’s 365 day cycle around the Sun. This journey around the sun enables the…

Christmas Traditions Then and Now

December is a busy month of family traditions. Many of you are likely to be planning Christmas celebrations and parties as it is traditionally a month of festivities. For me, the season is usually a busy and happy one. Christmas has always been my favorite season. My traditions are a mixture of Guyanese and Haitian…